What is the method of absorption for fructose in the intestine?

Fructose is absorbed in the intestine primarily through facilitated diffusion via the transporter GLUT5. This transport mechanism allows fructose, which is a simple sugar, to move from the intestinal lumen into the enterocytes (the cells lining the intestine) without the need for energy expenditure. GLUT5 is a specific glucose transporter that specializes in the absorption of fructose, making it distinct from the process used for glucose and galactose, which utilize active transport via the SGLT-1 transporter.

This method of absorption is significant because it ensures that fructose can be absorbed efficiently alongside other sugars, allowing for optimal nutrient uptake as part of the digestion process. Understanding this specific transport mechanism helps clarify how different carbohydrates are absorbed in the body, which is essential knowledge in the context of nutrition and metabolic health.